Elements of Differential

Calculus
UNIT 4, DERIVATIVES OF
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Structure
4.1 Introduction
Objectives
4.2 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
Some Useful Limits
Derivatives of Sin x and Cos x
Derivatives of other Trigonometric Functions
4.3 Derivatives of Inverse Functions
The Inverse Function Theorem
4.4 Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Derivatives of Sin-' x and Cos-' x
Derivatives of Sec-' x and Cosec-' x
4.5 Use of Transformations
4.6 Summary
4.7 Solutions and Answers

4.1 INTRODUCTION

In Unit 3 we have introduced the concept of derivatives. We have also talked about the
algebra of derivatives and the chain rule which help us in calculating the derivatives of some
complex functions. This unit will take you a step further in your study of differential
c~lculus.
h this unit we shall first find the derivatives of standard trigonometric functions. We shall
then go on to study the inverse function theorem and its applications in finding the
derivatives of inverses of some standard functions. Finally, we shall see how the use of
transformations can simplify the problem of differentiating some functions.

Objectives
After reading this unit you should be able to:
find the derivatives of trigonometric functions
state and prove the inverse function theorem
use the inverse function theorem to find the derivatives of inverse trigonometric~functions
use suitable transformations to differentiate given functions.

4.2 DERIVATIVES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

In this section we shall calculate the derivatives of the six trigonometric functions: sinx,
cos x, tan x, cot x, sec x and cosec x. You already know that these six functions are related
to each other. For example, we have:
i) sin2x + cos2x = 1 ii) tan x = sin x/cos x, and many more identities which express the
relationships between these functions. As you will soon see, our job of finding the
derivatives of all trigonometric functions becomes a lot easier because of these identities.
But let us first evaluate some important limits which will prove to be very useful later.

4.2.1 Some Useful Limits

In the next subsection we shall come across lim
t
t+O
*
and lim sin t. So let's try to calculate
t -0
these. For this, we first assume that 0 < t < 6 2 and consider a circle with radius 1 unit, given
by xZ+ y2 =1 as shown in Fig. 1.
The line OT passes through the origin and has slope =tan t. Thwefore, we can write its
equation as y = x tan t. This means that the y-coordinate of the p0int.T is tan t, since its
u-mnrdinate i~ 1
 Derivatives of Trigonometric
Fullc:ic,ns

Fi.1
From the figure we can see that
area of AOPA < area of sector OPA < area of AOTA . . . . . ( 1 ) If the sectorial angle is 0, the area of
1 I
5
Now, the area of A0PA = X 1 x PB = - sin t,
2
a sector of a circle of radius r is
(1/2)P0
1 1
The area of sector OPA = 2 x 1 x t = -
2 t'
The at; of oTA = x 1 x tant t
Thus, inequality (I) can be written as:
sint < t < tan t . . . . . (2)
sin t > 0, therefore, from the left-hand inequality in (2) we get
Since 0 < t < 1~12,
I O < s i n t < t . . . . . (3)
I
Now, if -1~12< t < 0, then 0 < -t .:z/2, and applying (3) to - t, 0 < sin ( - t) < - t or
< t < 0, then t < sin t < 0. . .(4)
0 < - sin t < -t since sin(-t) = -sin t. This means that if - 1~12

1 - I I I I I I
I I
0 sin t t ~ / 2 -XI2 t sin t 0

In Fig. 2(a) and (b) you can see the representation of (3) and (4), respectively.
1! We can combine (3) and (4) and write
Here we are using various.results
- I t I < s i n t < I t I f o r - 1 ~ / 2 < t < 1 ~ / 2t #, 0 . about the order relation from Unit 1
You have seen in Unit 2 that lirn I t I = 0. From this we can also say that lirn - I t I = 0.
t -10 r-0
Now applying the sandwich theorem (Theorem 2 of Unit 2) to the functions - I t I, sin t
and I t I,
we get that lirn sint = 0
v0
We shail use this result to calculate lim cost. As you know, cost = 1 - 2 sin2t/2. This means
1-10
We can prove that lirn sin2t/2 = by
lirn cost = lirn (1 - 2 sin2 t/2) t+O
1-10 t+ 0 using Theorem 3 of Unit 2 and by
I noting that t 4 0-t/2 + 0
= I - 2 lirn sin2 t/2
i =1 4.
t-to

Thw, we get lirn Cost = 1.

1-0

Now, let's get back to inequality (2) : sint < t < tant for 0 < t< x/2. Since 0 < t < x/2, sint :O,
"..,I+L-..-C-..- "c*-.. ,I:-.:,I:-
L.
,.. -:-* (91-
.,-.I ---.
Elements of Diflerentlal 1 < tlsint < llcost
Calculus
orcost<sint/t< 1 ... (5),O<t<n/2
Now, since sin(- t) = - sint, we see that sin (- t)/ (- t) = sintlt. This, alongwith the result
COS(-t) = cost, shows that the inequality (5) holds even when - nL? < t < 0.Thus,
cost<sint/t< I, - n / 2 < t < d 2 , t#O

.
Now, let us apply the sandwich theorem to the functions cost, sinttt and 1, and take the
limits as t +0.This give us:
lim sin t/t = 1
t +o
Example 1. Suppose we want to find out
sin 3x
lim -y- and lim
t+o t-0
-
sin 5x
SIR 7x
sin 3x.
Let us first calculate lim .
t+ 0
-sin3x x3.1fwe
For this we shall write sin3x - -
X 3x
replace 3x by t in the right hand side, and take the limit as x + 0, we find that t = 3x also
tends to zero, and lirn
x+O
-
sin 3x
- lim -sin t
x3
t - O t

sin t
= 3 lirn
t+O
-
t
(See Theorem 3 of Unit 2)
=3

X+O
-
To calculate lirn sin 5 x we start by writing
sin 7x
sin 5x sin 5x 7x 5
lirn -. = lim
x + ~ s ~ n 7 xX + O
-
5x
x -x
sm7x 7
-
=- 5 lim -.sin 5x 7x
lim 7----
7x+0 5x X + O s1n7x

7
f
= 2 since lim 7 x =
X+O slni
- 1
-
= 1 by Theorem 3 of Unit 2
Iirn (sin7xi-i~)

sin t
Remark 1 In lim = 1 or lim cost = 1, the angle t is measured in radians. If in a
t+O t +o
particular problem, the angles are measured in degrees, we have to first convert these Into
radians before using these formulas. Thus,

--
lim sin to lim -sin -- (nt/l80) = - lim . sin (rct/l80) -
-. -
0 t t+O t 180 t + O ~tn80 180
See if you can solve this exercise now.
E E 1)Provethata) l i m c o s ( a + x ) = c o s a
x +O
b) lim sin (a + x ) = sin a
x +o

4.2.2 Derivatives of Sin x and Cos x

We shail now find out the derivative of iinx from the first principles. If y = f(x) = sin x, then
by definition
 -dy- - lim sin (x + h) - sin x Derivatives of Trigonometric
Functions
.
dx h+O h
2 sin(h/2) cos (X+ h/2)
= lirn
h+O h Remember the formula sinA - sin B
{A-B) (A+B)
= 2sin - 2
cos -7
2

Thus, we get
d (sin x) = cos x
-
I dx
I Now, let us consider the function y= f(x) = cos x and find its derivative. In this case,

-
dy, = lim
dx h+O
cos(x + h ) - c o s x
h
-2 sin (h/2) sin (x.+ h/2)
- = lim
h+O h
= -1im
h+o
''"0 lim
h/2 h-o
sin (x + h/2)
= - sin x
Thus, we have shown that
d
-(wsx)'=-sinx
dx
d
Actually, having first calculated (sin x ) ,we could have found out the derivative of cos x
by using the formula:
cos x = sin (x + a).
This gives us,
-
. d (COS
dx
d (sin (x + ~ 1 2 ) )
X )= -
dx
,& (sin (x
dx
+ a ) ) = cos (x + a )
can be proved by u s i q the chain
= cos (X + ~ / 2 ) =- sin x rule.

II E
In the next subsection we shall find the derivatives of the other four trigonometric functions
by using similar formulas. But before that it is time to do some exercises.
E 2) Find the derivatives of the following:
a) sid? x bJ cosZx c) 5sin7 x sin3x d) x3cos 9x
I e) cos (sin x).
Elements of Differential 4.2.3 Derivatives of other Trigonometric Functions
Calculus
We shall now find the derivatives of i) tan x ii) cct x iii) sec x iv) cosec x.

i) Suppose y = f(x) = tan x. We know that tan x =

sin x
-
COS X

dy = d
Hence, -
dx dx
-
cos x d/dx (sin x ) - sin x d/dx (cqs x )
-
-

0 s2
-d
dx
(u/v) =
vdu /dx - u
v . ~
dv /dx
2
- ,COS x + sin x
2
-
--
X

1
cos2 x GO? x
=sec2 x
ii) Now, suppose y = f(x) = cot x. Since cot x -- l/tan x, we get

tan x d/dx (1 2 - 1 d/dx (tan x)

-- ---
2
till1 X
2
-_
_ - sec
_ _ x_-- - C O W2 X
tan2 x
iii) Now, let y = f(x) = sec x. Since we know that sec x = l/cos x, proceeding as in ~ i ) ,wt
get
sin x

If you have followed i), ii) and iii) above, you should not have any difficulty in finding the
derivative of cosec x by using cosec x = l/sin x.

Let us summarise our results.

Table 1

Function Derivative '1

sin x COS X

COS X

tan x
- sin x 1
cot x - c0secLX
sec x sec x tan x
cosec r; - cosec x cot x
Remark 2 Here again we note that the angle is measured in radians. Thus,
d
- (sin xq = - - sin
dx
d
dx ( ---
:8:,)
71
= ll(o cos (s) =-
RX
180 cos x0
We shall now see how we can use these results to find the derivatives of some more
complicated functions. The chain rule and the algebra of derivatives with which you must
have become quite familiar by now, will come in handy again.
Example 2 Let us differentiate i) sec3 x ii) ser: x tan x + cot x
i) Let y = sec3 x. If we write u = sec x, we get y = u3. Thus,

= 3 set:3 x tan x
ii) If y = sec x tan x + cot x, then,
- -dy- -- d
(secx t a n x ) + - ( c o t x )
dx c'x dx
d d
=S=x - (tan x ) + tan x - (secx) - cose2 x
-

dx dx
= secx (se2 x + tan2 x ) - cosec2 x
Remark 3 sin x, cos x, sec x ,cosec x are periodic functions with period 2n.Their
derivatives are also periodic with period 2n.tan x and cot x are periodic with period n. Their
derivatives are also periodic with period n.
We have been considering variables which are dimensionless. Actually, in practice, we may
have to consider variables having dimensions of mass, length, time etc.., and we have to be
careful in interpreting their derivatives. Thus, we may be given that the distance x travelled
by a particle in time t is x = a cos bt. Here, since bt is dimensionless (being an angle), b
must have the dimensior, . Similarly, xla = cos bt has to be dimensionless. Tbis means
T
that a must have the same dimension as x. That is dimension of a is L.
Now dxldt = - ab sin bt has the dimension of ab =L x 1/T = L/T, which is not unexpected,
since dx/dt is nothing but the velocity of that particle.
See if you can do these exercises now.
E 4) Find the derivatrres of:
a) cdsec 2x b) cot x t C)Scot 9x
Elements of Difleryttlal
Calcplllll, 4.3 DERIVATIVES OF INVERSE FUNCTIONS
We have seen in Unit 1 that the graphs of a function and its inverse are very closely related
to each other. If we are given the graph of a function, we have only to take its reflection in
the line y = x, to obtain the graph of its inverse. In this section we shall establish a relation
between the derivatives of a function and its inverie.

'4.3.1 The Inverse Function Theorem

Let us take two functions f and g, which are inverses of each other. We have already seenjn
Unit 1 that in this case, gof(x) = g(f(x)) = x, for all x for which f is defined,
fog(y) = f(g(y)) = y for all y for which g is defined. Now, suppose that both f and g are
differentiable. Then, by applying the Chain rule to differentiate g(f(x)) = x, we get
gf(f(x)).f'(x) = 1 or g'(y).fl(x) = 1, where y = f(x).
This means that if ff(x) # 0, we can write gf(y) = l/ff(x). So we have been able to find some
relation between the derivatives of these inverse functions. Let us state our results more
precisely.
Theorem 1(The Inverse Function Theorem)
Let f be differentiable and strictly monotonic on an intervd I. If ff(x)# 0 at a certain x in I,
then f-I is differentiable at y = f(x) and
The strict monotonicity cond~tion
in this theorem implies that f is
one-one and thus ensures the
Thus, we have the inverse function rule:
existence off '
The derivative of the inverse functia~is the reciprocal of the derivative of the given
function.
Sobn we shall see that this rule is very useful if we want to find the derivative of a function
when the derivative of its inverse function is already known. This will become clear when
we consider the derivatives of the inverses of some standard functions. But first, let us use
this rule to find the derivative of f(i) = xr, where r is a rational number. In Unit 3 we have
d
already proved that - (xh)= nxn-' when n is an integer. We shall use this fact in proving
dx
Ehe general case.
Theorem 2 If y = f(x) = x: where r is a rational number for which xr and x '-'are both
defined, then -d (xr) = rxrT'
dx
x' may not be always defined.For Proof: Let us first consider the case when r = l/q,q being any non-zero integer. In this case,
-
example, ifx = 1 and r = lR, y = f(x) = x1/q.Its inverse function g wilrbe given by x = g(y) = yq. This means
xr= fi"isnotdefinedinR.

-
Thus, by thg inverse function rule, we get
dy
-='-= 1 1
dx dx/dy, q-1
9Y

SOfar, we have seen that the theorem is true when r is of the fonn l/q, where q is an integer.
Now, having proved this, let us take the general case when r = plq, p, q E Z(q is, of course,
non-zero). Here,
y = f(x) = xr = Xdq
 d 119 P xllq)p-l d 114 &civativ& of Trigonometric
Now, &-( X ) =P( .-
dx (X ) , by chain rule Functions

Thus,

This completes the proof of the theorem.

The usefulness of this theorem is quite clear from the following example.
Example 3 Suppose we want to differentiate

We write u = x5I6+fi This gives us, y = u"".

By chain rule, we get

Thus,

Why don't you try these exercises now?

4.4 DERIVATIVES OF'INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC

FUNCTIONS

In the last section we haveisem how the inverse function theorem helps us in finding the
derivative of xn where n is a rational number. We shall now use that theorem to find the
derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions.
We have noted in Unit 1, Section 5, that sometimes when a given function is not one-one,
we can still talk about its inverse, provided we restrict its (jomain suitably. Now, sin x is
Elements of Differential neither a one-one, nor an onto function from R to R. But if we restrict its domain to
Calculus
[- ~ 1 2x/2],
, and co-domain to [ - I , 11, then it becomes a one-one and onto function, and
hence the existence of its inverse is assured. In a similar manner we can talk about the I

inverses of the remaining trigonometric functions if we place suitable restrictions on their

domains and co-domains.
Now that we are sure of the existence of inverse trigonometric functions. let's go ahead and
find their derivatives.

4.4.1 Derivatives of Sin-' x and Cos-' x /

II
Let us consider the function y = f(x) = sin x on the domain [- 6 2 , x/2]. Fig. 3(a) showsthe
graph of this fur.ction. Its inverse is given by g(y) = sin-' (y) = x. We can see ckarly that
sin x is strictly increasing on [ - ~ 1 2R2].
, I

d
We also know that the derivative, (sin x) = cos x exists and is non-zero for all

This means that sin x satisfies the conditions of the inverse function' theorem. We can,
therefore, conclude that sin-' y is differentiable on.] - 1 , 1 [, and

-
d (sin-' (y )) = - 1 =- 1
ff(x ) cosx
Sin~simx=y,cOsx= -4 dy
for - r c n < x < l d 2 .

Thus. we have the result

d 1
3 (sin-' t) =

Remember, sin-'x is not the same as

at
JZ
Fig.3(b) shows the graph of sin-' x.
(sin x)-' = llsin x or sin x-I = sin llx.
We shall follow exactly the same steps to find out the derivative of the inverse cosine
function.
Let's stkt with the function y = f(x) = cos ;, and restrict its domain to [0, R ] and its co-
domain to [-1,1]. Its inverse function g(y) = cos-' y exists and the graphs of cos x and
-'
cos x are shown in ~ i ~ . 4 ( and
a ) 4(b), respectively.
 As in the earlier case, we cap now check that the conditions of the inverse function $-orem Derivatives of Trigonometric
-'
are satisfied and conclude that cos y is differentiable in 1-1, 1[. Further Functions

-
d (g(y))S -
d (cos -1
9 ) = . - -1 -
f'(x )
- 1
- sin x
dy dy .
Since cos x = y, sin x =* for
o<x<n. '

This gives us the result

Yoti can apply these two results to get the derivatives in the following exercise.
E E 6) Differentiate
a) sin-' (5x) b) cos-I & C)sin x cos-' (x3+ 2)

E E 7) a) By looking at the graph of tan x given alongside, indicate the interval to which the
domain of tan x should be restricted so that the existence of its inve~seis '
guaranteed.
, b) What will be the domain of tan-' x?
c) Prove tdat -
d
dx
2
(tan-' x ) = 1/(1 + x )in its domain.
 In this section we have calculated the derivatives of sin-' x and cos-' x and if you have done
E 7). you will have calculated the derivative of tanm'xalso. Pn>ceedingalong exactly simila
lines. we shall be able to see that
-d -I
(cot x) = 7
-1
dx l+x

4.4.2 Derivatives of Sec-' x and Cosec-' x

Let's tackle the inverses of the remaining two mgonomemc functions now.
To find sec-' x, we proeaed as follows:
If y = sec-I x, then sec y = x or I/cos y = x, which means that Ilx = cos y. This gives u
y = cos-' (I/x), where, I x I 2 1.
Thus, y =set-I x =cos-' (l/x), I x I2 1
Remember, we have seen that cos-' t From this we get
is defined in the interval I-1. I].

-dy
=- (~0s-'(ltx 1)
dx dx
-1
-- 1 -7 d
1/x . z(ltX)

- - Ixl (- llx2)
4n
- 1 ,Ixl>l
lx- 1
Nore tnat dthough see-'x is defined Thus. we have
for 1 x I 2 I,the derivative of eec-' x
does nor exist when x = 1 -
d (sec-' x) =
dx l x- 1
I
, Ixl > I

E 8) Following exactly similar skps, show that

-d
dx
(cosec-I x )=
-1
l x l d z i *
1x1 > I .

Exan)ple 4 Suppose we want to find the derivative of y = sec -I 2 6

By chain rule, we get
Now, you will be able to solve these exercises using the results about the derivatives of Derivatives of Trigonometric
inverse trigonometric functions. Functions

E 9) Differentiate,
cot-' (x + 1)
'
a) c o t ( ~ 1 2 ) b) -~
' + 1)
tan- (x

c) cos- (5x ' + 4)

4.5 USE OF TRANSFORMATIONS

Sometimes the ~IWXSS of finding derivatives is simplified to a large extent by making use of
some suitable transformations. In this section we shall see some examj&ss vvbidt will
illustrate this fact.
Example 5 Suppose we want to finuthe derivative of
y = cos-' (4x3 - 3x)
I
I
Elements d Differential
-Calculus
As you know, we can differentiate this function by using the formula for thederivative of
cos-' x and the chain rule. But suppose we put x ='cos 8 ,then we get
y = cos-' (4 cos38 - 3 cos 8)
= &s-' (COS 38) (COS 38 = 4 c0s38 - 3 cos 8)
= 38
= 3dos-' x. Now this is a much simpler expression, and can be differentiated easily as:

Example 6 To differentiate y = tan-' ,we use the transformation x = tan 8.

This gives us,
I - \

y = tan -l[dl+tantan2e - I J= t a n - l ( ~ e c ~1,)

-
8 tan 8

sin 8
= tan-' (tan 012)
1-(1-2sin28/2)
2 sin 812 cos 812 1
= 812 = -.tan- x '
2
dy 1
Now, we can write - =
dx 2(1+x2)
Let's lackle another probl&n.
Example 7 Suppose we want to differentiate tan-' 2:2
-)with respect to sin-
For this, let y = tan -'(%)
\ 1-
and z = s i n - ' ( 2 ) .
1+x2
Our aim is to find dyldz. We
.
shall use the transfo&ation x'= tan 8. This gi;es us '

y=m y 1 [ - -)
2tan8
1 tan 8
= tan (tan 28) = 20, and

Now if we differentiate y and z with respect to 8, we get dy/d8 = 2 and dz/d8% 2.

Therefore, -
dy
dz
dyId0
=. -= 1 .
dz/d8
Alternatively, we have y = z. Hence, dyldz = 1.
So, you see, a variety of complex.problems tan be solved easily by using transformations.
The key to a successful solution is, however, the choice of a suitable transformation. We a e
giving some exercises below, which will givtyou the necessary practice in choosing the
right transformation.
E E .lo) Find the derivatives of the following functions using suitable transformations :
Now let us summarise the points covercd in this unit.

4.6 SUMMARY

In this unit we have ,

1 calculated the derivatives of trigonometric functions:

1 Function 1 Derivative I
sin x cos x
cos x -sin x

:
tan x sec2x
cot x -cosec2 x
sec x sec x tan x
C O S ~ Cx -cosec x cok x

2 discussed the inverse function theorem and

used the rule

toprove that d/dx(xr) = rx", where r is a rational number.

3 - used the inverse function theorem to find the derivatives of inverse trigonometric
.functions:
 I- !
Elements 01Differential
f-~lculus function Derivative '

tan-'x

Ixl > 1
1 x 4 4 7 7'
- 1
Ixl > 1
1xldZ-l'

4 used transformations to simplify the problems of finding the derivatives of some

functions.

4.7 SOLUTIONS AND ANSWERS

E 1) a) cos (a + X)= cos a cos x - sin a sin x
lim cos (a + x ) = cos a lim cos x - sin a lim sin x
x+ 0 x+ 0 x+o
b) similar = cos a
d
E 2) a) 2 cos 2x x ) = - 2 sin x cos x
b) 2 cos xc-dx (COS
C) 5(3sin7x cos 3x + 7sin6x cos x sin 3x)
= 5 sin6 x (3 sin x cos 3x + 7cos x sin 3x)
d) 3x2 cos 9x - 9x3sin 9x
e) - sin (sin x) cos x
d d sin x x O - lcosx
E3) -(cosecx)=
dx d

=- -
COS X

sin x2= -cosecx cotx.

E 4) a) - 2cosec 2x cot 2x
1
b) - cosec2x + ( - cosecx cotx)
d i z z x

-3x2
+ cos x cos-I (x3 + 2)
c1 sin

E 7) a) tan x restricted to ] - n/2, n/2[ is a strictly increasing one-one function of x.

Thus, its inverse exists when restricted to ] - n/2, n/2[.
b) The domain of tan-' x is ] - w, -[.
I c) ~f y = f(x) = tan x, Deri~ativesof Trigonometric
Functions

1
Hence d/dx (tan-' x) = - .
1 + x2
I
I E 8) y = cosec -' x a cosec y = x a sin y = l/x 3

1 y = sin-' (l/x) where I x 1 2 1.

-- '"I (- I/&)
-fi

1 [ sin 8 (1 - x cos 8) + x sin 8 cos 8

2
(1 - x cos 8 )
d ) ~ l i ; n ~ g / x ~2 s i n 2 8 2
(1 - x cos 8)
-1 1
-1 1
e) +
I x + l I d ( x + 1)2- 1 Ix- lId(x-112-1

E 10) a) Put x = sin 8 y = sin-' (3x - 4x3)

= sin-' (3sin 8 - 4sin3 8)
= sin-' (sin3 8) = 38 = 3sin-' x.

b) x = cos 812 * y = COS-' (1 - 2x2)

c) Put x = tan 8 * y = sin-' - (,

2):: = 2 tan-lx

-- 2
dy -
-
dx 1+x2
d) Put x = tan 8

e ) Put x = tan (3